HMS Sheffield - Memorial Sculpture
An artwork celebrating the relationship between a Royal Navy Cruiser and its adopted city.
Originally the maquette for a much larger sculpture to be placed in the square outside Sheffield Cathedral, this 3ft bronze sculpture now stands within the cathedral.
This inspiring artwork celebrates the relationship between a Royal Navy Cruiser and its adopted city.
The approaching viewer is greeted by a triumphant, welcoming Christ figure, who is portrayed as though the figurehead on the bow of a ship.
The outstretched arms complete the shape of an anchor and a sword, symbols which are rich in symbolism. Biblically, it is the sword that is beaten into a plough shear, a powerful reminder of the hope offered to mankind through Christ’s sacrifice. At the same time there is recognition of the peace won through the sacrifice and bravery of the seamen of HMS Sheffield.
The plough, another great source of christian imagery, can be seen as ‘ploughing the oceans’, a symbol that forges even stronger links between this land-locked city and the ships that bear its name.
The sculpture was unveiled on April 17th 2000 by His Royal Highness The Duke of York.
